Few personalities in entertainment have left a mark quite like Wendy Williams has. A one-of-a-kind woman with bold and unapologetic opinions, Williams built a radio and television empire by being unapologetically herself. From “How you doin’?” to borderline confrontational interviews, she redefined celebrity gossip and became a household name.
Amid ongoing health issues and personal struggles, Williams was placed under a financial guardianship with no direct access to her wealth. This has outraged her fanbase, raising questions about autonomy and mental health. Here’s a deeper look into Williams’ journey and the state of her finances today.
How Did Wendy Williams Become Famous?
Though her talk show blew up in the 2000s, Wendy Williams first rose to fame on New York radio stations in the 1990s. She would boast a blunt and fearless interview style, unafraid to ask celebrities the questions everyone else tip-toed around. Her unfiltered commentary earned her massive ratings, along with constant controversy and a few enemies. However, her voice and impact was one that couldn’t be ignored. She quickly became one of the most recognized women in radio, paving the way for her move into television.
Television
While her radio career was iconic in its own right, “The Wendy Williams Show” cemented her as a true household name. Premiering in 2008, the syndicated talk show ran for 13 seasons. It blended pop culture and gossip through her signature “Hot Topics” segment. At its peak, it was one of the highest-rated daytime shows in the country. Her unique, hilarious and unfiltered takes on all things celebrity helped the show thrive. Soon, it was a staple in millions of homes. Despite stepping away from the show in 2021 due to health concerns, clips from the show continue to go viral.
Business Endeavors
Beyond the studio lights, Williams has dabbled in multiple business ventures. She launched a fashion line on HSN, released several books, and ventured into acting and producing. She executive produced her own Lifetime biopic, a move that showed commitment to controlling her own narrative. While not all her endeavors were massive hits, they contributed to Williams’ impressive net worth.
What Is Wendy Williams’ Net Worth?
Williams’ estimated net worth is currently $5 million. While still impressive, this is a staggering drop from her peak earnings, where she was reported to have a net worth of $40 million. Much of her financial decline stems from her health complications, absence from her talk show, and her current financial guardianship.
In 2022, Wells Fargo froze her accounts and claimed she was the victim of “undue influence and financial exploitation.” This led to the court appointing a guardian to oversee her finances. Despite her objections and massive public outcry, the conservatorship remains in place. She believes she’s perfectly well and capable of being in charge of her own life and money.
What Did Wendy Williams Get Diagnosed With?
Williams has publicly battled a number of health issues over the years. She has been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. She was also diagnosed with lymphedema and faced complications related to addiction and mental health.
In 2024, it was confirmed through the Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” that she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. This tragic revelation gave context to her erratic public behavior and subsequent absence from the spotlight.
Does Wendy Williams Pay Her Husband?
Williams and her ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, divorced in 2020 after 21 years of marriage. As part of their divorce settlement, Wendy agreed to pay alimony to the father of her son. However, those payments have reportedly stopped in recent years.
In 2022, Hunter requested court intervention, claiming Williams hadn’t been paying his spousal support. The court documents revealed that since Williams’ income had stopped, she was no longer in a financial position to continue payments.
What Caused Wendy Williams to Faint on Her Show?
Though it’s now become a meme, Williams fainting during a live taping of her show was nothing short of traumatic. During a Halloween episode of “The Wendy Williams Show” on October 31, 2017, the famed talk show host fainted live on air while dressed as the Statue of Liberty.
She later explained on CNN that it was the result of overheating, caused by wearing the heavy costume. Paramedics confirmed her blood pressure and heart rate were normal. Though the moment sent the world into a panic, Williams joked afterward that she’s “here for a long time.”
When Did Wendy Williams Get Dementia?
Unfortunately, Wendy Williams’ team announced in February 2024 that she has primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. For Williams, this followed a series of health challenges, placing her under legal guardianship due to her cognitive ability. Despite ongoing legal debates, Williams assures that the claims of her being “permanently incapacitated” are wrong.
Why Is Wendy Williams’ Ex-Husband Suing?
In June 2025, it was revealed that Williams’ ex-husband filed a $250 million lawsuit on her behalf. It was without her knowledge or authorization. This lawsuit targets her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, Judge Lisa Sokoloff, Wells Fargo and her assisted-living facility.
Hunter claims that each of these parties violated Williams’ constitutional rights by keeping her under guardianship, restricting her access to finances and subjecting her to “involuntary confinement.” In the lawsuit, he seeks a new guardian, full forensic accounting of her finances, restoration of her liberty and a massive payout for financial and emotional damages. While it aligns with what Williams has long wanted for herself, she has publicly denounced the lawsuit. She said that she “had no idea” Hunter filed it and accusing him of being a “money-grubber.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wendy Williams have access to her money? Wendy Williams is currently under a financial guardianship. This means that her finances are controlled by her financial guardian.
Where is Wendy Williams living now? Wendy Williams is currently residing in a memory care unit of a New York City assisted living facility. She claims she isn’t supposed to be there, currently fighting to end her court-ordered guardianship.